Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Father Ed Broom gives a striking description of Peter’s many faults and failings in the Gospel and contrasts this with Peter as we see him in the Acts of the Apostles –  a man of courage and determination! If God can transform a piece of dirty, smelly coal under great pressure over time into a precious diamond, He can transform great sinners into great saints! How did God transform Peter the sinner – “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”-  into a saint? Through the power of the first Novena – nine days of prayer and fasting with Our Blessed Mother – waiting for the Holy Spirit who came in an earthquake with wind and tongues of fire! The Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, transformed Simon Peter into Saint Peter, Pope and Martyr! Listen to this inspiring story. Then let us begin the frequent practice of making a 9 Day Novena with the help of Our Blessed Mother Mary to beg the Holy Spirit – the Sanctifier – for all the graces necessary to change this sinner – you and me – into a saint!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Father Ed Broom gives clear, simple explanations of sacramentals – sacred signs – that are present in the church at Saint Peter Chanel. He explains these sacramentals and how they can be used to excite our faith and devotion to God who created us and loves us. Father Ed begins with the crucifix, a symbol of Jesus great love for us! He moves on to the tabernacle and the red candle light signifying Jesus is present in the tabernacle. The light burns all year except for two days of the year when Jesus is not present. Do you know what those two days are? He explains two purposes for Jesus truly present in the Holy Eucharist in the consecrated hosts in the cup called the ciborium being placed in the tabernacle after Mass. He delves into the meaning of the altar, the glass doors behind the altar etched with two angels, their hands folded in prayer, and the stained glass windows of two saints on either side of the tabernacle. Father Ed goes on to explain many other sacramentals in the church at Saint Peter Chanel for our deeper appreciation of them as instruments of grace for ourselves and those we pray for! Prepare to be delighted and edified!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Father Ed introduces us to an extraordinary Saint who lived in one of the most turbulent times in the history of the Church, and who is very important for what is going on in the world and in the Church today! His name is Pope Saint Pius V. Father Ed begins by reminding us that one of the ways to get out of desolation, to use a very Ignatian term, is to remember the Saints. The last few days  we celebrated a number of Saints. Saint Peter Chanel, Saint Louis de Montfort, and Saint Gianna Beretta Molla who gave her life so her little baby in her womb could live. Saint Catherine of Siena, obviously the most influential person in the 1400’s and possibly one of the greatest women who walked in this world after the Blessed Virgin Mary. And tomorrow would be the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. So if you are ever in desolation, remember that you are surrounded by a great Cloud of Witnesses!
 
Father Ed then enters into the heart of his talk. Saint Pope Pius V (1504-1572) was born Antonio Ghislieri of a very poor family. Antonio was a shepherd boy. This shepherd of sheep would become Shepherd of the Universal Church! When he was elected Pope, Ghislieri broke down and wept, but he accepted it. Listen as Father Ed gives us the highlights of Saint Pius V’s extraordinary life and times, ending with the details of his most crucial undertaking – collaboration with the Blessed Virgin Mary in saving the Catholic Church and all Christendom in Europe!